Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is the kind of dinner that disappears fast. Juicy chicken is coated in a rich brown sugar glaze, balanced by tangy pineapple and a hint of garlic and soy sauce for depth.

This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. It feels tropical and comforting at the same time — a crowd-pleasing combination that works year-round.

Best of all, everything comes together in one pan, with a sauce that thickens into glossy perfection.

---

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

• Sweet and savory flavor balance
• Juicy chicken with caramelized edges
• Kid-friendly yet dinner-party worthy
• Uses pantry staples
• Great with rice, noodles, or veggies

---

Ingredients

Chicken & Base

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper

Brown Sugar Pineapple Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• Cornstarch + water (for thickening)

Optional Garnish

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

---

Instructions

1. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear chicken until golden on both sides; remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger; sauté briefly.
5. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and pineapple chunks.
6. Simmer sauce until sugar dissolves.
7. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over top.
8. Cover and cook until chicken is tender and cooked through.
9. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until sauce thickens.
10. Garnish and serve hot.

---

Flavor & Texture Notes

• Flavor: sweet caramelized sugar balanced with tangy pineapple
• Texture: tender chicken, sticky sauce, juicy fruit bursts
• Aroma: warm sugar, garlic, and tropical fruit

---

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Coconut rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Rice noodles or quinoa

---

Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of water
• Freezes well up to 2 months

---

Easy Variations

• Add red pepper flakes for heat
• Swap chicken for shrimp
• Use honey instead of brown sugar
• Add bell peppers for crunch

---